Category: blog
What is fuel polishing and why is it so important?
Dealing with contaminated fuel can be extremely costly. As well as needing to dispose of and replace it, contaminated fuel may damage machinery or vehicles or – at the least – reduce their efficiency. Contaminated fuel can also impact productivity, should you experience downtime due to engine failure.
It is estimated that water contamination and ‘diesel bug’ are responsible for more than 8 out of 10 diesel engine failures. If you rely on diesel-powered equipment or vehicles, understanding diesel bug – and how it can be prevented – is key to ensuring that your business runs smoothly.
Yellowstone provides crucial fuel polishing services to a range of industries where diesel-powered vehicles, equipment and machinery are used. In this expert guide, we will discuss how to get rid of diesel bug and the benefits of fuel polishing.
What is diesel bug?
‘Diesel bug’ is a blanket term that covers a range of contaminants found in storage tanks, fuel tanks and systems and the diesel itself. These include:
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- Filamentous moulds
- Yeasts
These microorganisms feed on the hydrocarbons in the fuel and create thick mats – known as ‘biomass’ – as well as a slimy substance or ‘biofilm’. They require only a small amount of water to thrive and multiply – this is often present in condensation or as a result of leaks in the fuel tank or via ingress at filler points.
What are diesel bug symptoms?
A by-product of diesel bug is a sticky black residue left when the bacteria dies. This contaminating residue leads to:
- Reduced fuel quality
- Formation of sludge and sediments
- Blocked filters
- Clogged fuel pumps and injectors
- Fuel system corrosion
- Reduced engine efficiency and performance
- Increased wear on the engine
- Exhaust smoke
How to prevent diesel bug
There are a number of ways to prevent or limit the risk of diesel bug, including
- Minimising water ingress into fuel tanks
- Regular fuel system maintenance
- Keeping fuel storage tanks clean
- Using fuel additives to combat microbial growth
Appointing a reputable company to provide thorough tank cleaning and fuel polishing services is arguably the most effective way to halt and prevent the spread of diesel bug.
What is fuel polishing?
The term ‘fuel polishing’ refers to the process of cleaning fuel and removing contaminants, such as microbial growth, sedimentation/particles and water.
We filter particles from the fuel to around 1 micron and remove the water content to below 100 ppm. This is below the industry standard of 200 ppm.
To ensure a thorough job, we drain the fuel from the tank completely. While the fuel is in our polishing tank, we clean our clients’ tank and treat it with a biocide to eradicate microbial contaminants.
What are the benefits of fuel polishing services?
Fuel polishing offers many benefits, including:
- Improved fuel quality
Removing impurities, sludge, water and microbial contaminants ensures a higher-quality fuel supply. Cleaner fuel offers better combustion in engines which means improved fuel efficiency. - Substantial cost-savings
As well as greater fuel economy, regular fuel polishing can reduce expenses associated with maintenance and repair. These include clogged filters, fuel system corrosion and other problems caused by contaminants. - Extended equipment lifespan
Eliminating contaminants helps reduce wear and tear on fuel system components, which increases the lifespan of vehicles and machinery. - Reduced carbon footprint
Proactive fuel polishing minimises environmental impact and supports sustainability by reducing the need to dispose of quantities of contaminated diesel.
Clean fuel also promotes better combustion in engines, leading to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. - Minimised downtime
Regular fuel polishing can prevent unscheduled breakdowns. Reliable fuel quality contributes to stable and uninterrupted operations, especially important for critical applications such as power generation and transport. - Compliance with regulations
Compliance with fuel quality regulations is essential. Fuel polishing ensures that diesel meets or exceeds regulatory requirements.
Industries that benefit from fuel polishing services
For industries that rely on diesel-powered machinery, preventing or halting diesel bug ensures the reliability and longevity of equipment.
Clean fuel is especially crucial when it comes to the services that play an essential role in our infrastructure. Fuel polishing benefits these important sectors – many of which are our core customers – including:
- Construction and demolition
- Agriculture
- Transport and logistics
- Aviation and aerospace
- Marine and shipping
- Manufacturing and engineering
- Garage and forecourts
- Oil and gas
Monitoring, testing and taking preventive measures are key to maintaining healthy fuel storage and systems.
Why choose Yellowstone for fuel polishing services
Clean fuel is essential for efficient and uninterrupted operations. Here at Yellowstone we offer professional fuel polishing services for complete peace of mind:
- Tailored services
Our fuel polishing services can be tailored to the needs of different industries and businesses, depending on fuel storage, usage and equipment requirements. - Expert knowledge
Yellowstone has specialised knowledge and expertise in fuel polishing for a range of core sectors. We can analyse samples on-site before and after treatment in order to have full quality assurance. Our teams are fully compliant with all industry standards. - Specialised equipment
Within our fleet we have dedicated fuel polishing tanks that can be deployed to site when required.
Call the experts in fuel polishing
With specialist fuel polishing equipment and personnel, we offer a complete treatment solution. Through proactive polishing and cleaning we can prevent or limit diesel bug and its costly implications.
For all enquiries regarding our fuel polishing services, please call and speak to a member of our friendly team on 0330 118 0381.